Free six-month FM26 trial on Steam and Epic -
download, setup, tips and FAQs
Want to try Football Manager 2026 before buying? The official FM26 Demo is live and lets you manage for a limited period to sample the new engine, UI and matchday. Below you’ll find how to download it on Steam and Epic, what’s included, system requirements, and smart tips to get the most out of your trial.
What is the FM26 Demo and what’s included
- Platform: PC and Mac via Steam and Epic Games Store.
- Playtime: Up to six in-game months in a single save, enough to complete pre-season and a chunk of league fixtures.
- Modes: Career save with a reduced but representative feature set so you can evaluate gameplay, tactics and the new match experience.
Note: Availability is confirmed on Steam and Epic at launch. Feature scope and carry-over behaviour can vary by year and store. Always check the store page details on your platform.
Download the FM26 Demo on Steam
- Open Steam and go to your Store or Library.
- Search for Football Manager 26 Demo.
- Click Download or Install Demo.
- Once installed, press Play to launch and create your save.
Quick tip: If you don’t see the demo, check the FM26 main store page and look for the Demo panel under the play button.
Download the FM26 Demo on Epic Games Store
- Open the Epic Games Launcher.
- Search for Football Manager 26 Demo.
- Add it to your library and click Install.
- Launch from your Library to start playing.
Recommended settings for smooth demo performance
- Database size: Start with Small or Medium and 6-10 active leagues to keep processing fast.
- Graphics: Set match graphics to a sensible preset first, then raise gradually.
- Autosave: Enable autosave weekly to avoid losing progress during experimentation.
Make the most of your six-month window
- Pick a test club: Choose a squad that fits the tactic you want to evaluate so you spend time playing, not rebuilding.
- Run two parallel saves: One for pure testing, one for a clean experience with minimal changes.
- Log key results: Track chance quality, shots on target and xG across 8–10 matches to compare systems.
FM26 Demo - Frequently Asked Questions
Is the FM26 Demo free?
Yes - it’s a free download on
Steam and Epic during the launch period.
How long can I play?
Up to
six in-game months in a single career save.
Which platforms are supported?
PC and Mac via Steam and
Epic. There is no console demo.
Can I continue my demo save in the full game?
This can
vary by year and platform. Check your store page notes at the time of
purchase. As a rule, complete the demo with the platform you plan to buy on.
Does the demo include the In-Game Editor?
No - editors
are separate tools. The demo is for playing and evaluating the game.
The demo doesn’t appear for me - what now?
Restart your
client, clear store cache, and search for “Football Manager 26 Demo”. If it
still doesn’t show, try the alternative store.
Final thoughts
The Football Manager 2026 Demo is the safest way to test performance, tactics and the new UI before buying. Use your six-month window to trial two or three tactical ideas, then start your main save with full confidence.
